Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until softened.
4. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
5. Add the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes.
6. In a large bowl, mix together the cooked ziti pasta, ricotta cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Spread half of the meat sauce in the bottom of the 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with the ziti mixture. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the ziti mixture.
8. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the dish.
9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Let the baked ziti cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 550
Fat per serving: 24g
Carbohydrates per serving: 45g
Protein per serving: 38g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with provolone or cheddar cheese.
Variations:
- Add chopped spinach or kale to the ziti mixture for added nutrition.
- Use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage for a more flavorful meat sauce.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra texture.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the pasta until al dente so that it doesn't become mushy when baked.
- Use a high-quality ricotta cheese for the best flavor.
- Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving to prevent burns.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the baked ziti in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the baked ziti in individual bowls or on plates. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
Garnishes:
Fresh parsley or basil
Pairings:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the baked ziti is too dry, add a little bit of water or tomato sauce to the meat mixture before baking.
- If the cheese on top is not melted and bubbly, broil the dish for a few minutes until the cheese is golden brown.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure that it is safe to eat.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that originated in the southern regions of Italy. It is typically made with ziti pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, cheesy, and tomato-y
Serving suggestions:
Serve the baked ziti with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
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Region: Italian